Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 248

Elysia furrowed her brow as she recalled what Lowell had said. Lowell mentioned how Elijah had been the butt of jokes for years.

Elijah was just quiet, and people mocked him, calling him mute. He was actually struggling with mental health issues, yet they labeled him crazy.

And because of family interests, some were even hoping Elijah would just vanish.

Thinking about the harsh words Allegra had once spat at Elijah, Elysia felt her blood boil.

Some relatives are kin by blood, but utterly heartless in spirit.

"It's all going to be okay." Elysia suddenly spoke up, causing Elijah to turn his head towards her. Before he could react, she had pulled him into a hug!

Elijah shivered, his breathing quickened, and his cheeks flushed red.

This was his first embrace from a woman, ever!

Half nervous, half shy. He tried to wriggle free, but Elysia's grip was too strong, he couldn't escape.

"You..."

"Elijah, believe me, everything will get better! I'll fill your heart with sunshine, turn you into a healthy, lively kid! I'll make all those who mock you, curse you, and wish you ill, shut their mouths!"

Outside, Tarquin's hand lingered on the doorknob, yet he didn't push the door open.

His expression complex, he stood at the doorway, Elysia's words reaching him loud and clear.

Lowell was still in the kitchen. "What's up, Tarquin?"

Tarquin withdrew his hand, turning back to the kitchen, glancing at the meat Lowell was preparing for the meatloaf, "Just like that, huh? Did you season it?"

"Not yet."

Tarquin took off his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves, washed his hands, and started seasoning.

Lowell asked, "Not calling Ms. Thorne anymore?"

"No."

Lowell was taken aback, "Are we both cooking?"

Tarquin, clearly annoyed, "Can't do it?"

Elysia admitted it internally but muttered, "You've had it tough too, putting up with his temper every day. If it were me, I'd have bolted. No way I'd stick around."

Just as Elysia finished speaking, a cold voice came from behind, "You think I'd want you to stick around? Not a chance!"

Elysia jumped, turning to see the person who had just washed up from the bathroom.

He glared at her, clearly having heard her and not pleased.

Elysia wanted to retort, but her attention was diverted by his appearance.

Because of cooking, he had removed his suit jacket, now in dress pants and a shirt. The pants were crisply tailored; the shirt fitted perfectly, not a wrinkle in sight. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, the shirt neatly tucked into his pants.

Lean waist, long legs, a figure of poise.

Without a tie, the top two buttons of his shirt undone, revealing a hint of his collarbone and a well-defined throat, he exuded a casual sexiness. His exposed forearms were strong and muscular, setting off a surge of attraction.

Admiration is natural, and Elysia couldn't help but swallow.

Then, with a frown and clear displeasure, he shot back at her, "Are you ogling me?"